Rich is doing great work up there. As many on this board know, I am happy that he is gone, but I believe that if given the right fit, with Casteel running the D, rich can have massive success at Arizona. Their offense looked seriously impressive against a stacked USC team.

Can't help but wonder what would have happened if rich had a huge win like that drink his first year at Michigan. That, coupled with a few avoided silly missteps could have paved the way for some scary success.

Oh well, happy with how it turned out for us, despite the three year of hell.

The perfect situation would have been to have RichRod coach the O and Mattison coach the D. Damn you Rich for having absolutely no talent in identifying defensive OC's.

Rodriguez is an offensive genius, maybe the best in the college game, and I am not the least bit surprised how he has turned the Arizona program around. Reunited with Casteel I believe that program is in it for the long haul and they will continue to be a force in the Pac10. Even with their built-in handicap in recruiting RichRod has proven he doesn't need top recruits to get his offense rolling.

As for us I am fearful that we may become the opposite of what we saw the last few years. An absolutely anemic offense against better defenses. I don't even hold out much hope until Morris is at least a sophomore and we find some decent talent at WR.

Nice job RR...I really wish the "RichRod was horrible and never did anything right" stuff would end...he was/is a good coach and for a lot of reasons (some his own, some UofM's) it didn't work, we ended up with a great fit with Brady Hoke and it looks like Az is working out for him, all is well

I think UMich is better off without him and vice versa. He appears to be in a better place for his overall style. After what happened from '08 to '10, then '11, I'll be more open to people who suggest that cultural fit is really important for a coach.

Arizona got smoked 49-0 by Oregon, but they've been in every other game (including -- d'oh -- UToledo, which worked out OK in *Tucson*) until the very end.

It will be interesting to see how he does with a new (and probably young) QB next year.

RR's success in his first year is definitely impressive. Plus, he put on a masterclass display of angry facial expressions today. Great cinema.

I think that Matt Scott (Arizona QB) is an excellent decision maker. Other than Oregon, Arizona has competed with everyone (well, in the 3rd quarter it was 0-13 Oregon). Most fans were predicting 3-9 this year.

To be honest, yes Az, as a sport's school become prominent in bb, but only after Lute was hired. Prior to that, Arizona wasn't really known for any specific sport.

He has done a great job this year with what amounts to a MAC level roster,with only about three blue chippers per year. That is changing fast. He has already nabbed one of the best dual threat qbs in the nation and with his choice at DC, AZ's stadium will be filled for every Saturday home game within the next three years. You have a lot to look forward to.

As a USC follower who never misses a game, that was one of the 2 worst games USC has played since Paul Hackett was put out of his misery after 2000. The other being the 2009 loss to Stanford at home where Harbaugh ran it up on Carroll. Taking nothing away from Arizona, but their defensive line literally got no push for 90% of the plays.

For whatever reason, USC piled up unforced turnovers and double digit penalties at an alarming rate.

Arizona was actually pretty awful too, but they have a quarterback that can chuck it and they hit a couple big plays. Arizona was doing a lot of the same bonehead penalties and weak fundamentals in areas not pertaining to his offense we all cursed when he was here at Michigan. On the game coaching front, he almost really cost them by getting greedy going for an unnecessary 2 point conversion in the 3rd quarter. Plus he can't resist blowing up over and over again right in player's faces. The same stuff we rag on Brian Kelly for all the time. it looks just as bad and childish when he does it.

No denying that Rich is doing a pretty good job down there but he inherited a very talented quarterback and running back with experience tailor made for his system. I'll bet they take a step back when their 5th year quarterback leaves after the season. Let's see him coach some people up in the next couple years and see if we look at him with the same reverence.

They went 4-8 last year and returned eleven starters. They've installed a new system on both sides of the ball. They're undersized and they lack speed and depth all over the place. Their scholarship numbers are down. Still, they're 5-3 and have been in every game they've played minus the second half versus Oregon. Maybe you should look at him with at least a little reverence right now.

I had a few thoughts as i watched Zona tear into USC... 1.) While college football has "caught up with some offenses or version of the spread... RichRod's still has great relevance. 2.) RichRod is a gifted play caller. He has a great feel for the game... couldn't help but crack a smile at a few of those quick seam roy roundtree specials he threw at USC.

I had a few thoughts as i watched Zona tear into USC... 1.) While college football has "caught up with some offenses or versions of the spread... RichRod's still has great relevance. 2.) RichRod is a gifted play caller. He has a great feel for the game... couldn't help but crack a smile at a few of those quick seam roy roundtree specials he threw at USC.

Mattison said he would only come back to the college game for Brady Hoke. (personal friend) That's why. He was coaching a minor team called the BALTIMORE RAVENS before. Another good reason not to go for Rich Rod.

I have nothing against the guy, I wanted to give him one more year up until the Gator Bowl. Getting manballed by Mississippi State was the last straw for me. That was probably as embarrassed as I have ever been to be a UofM fan, worse than App State.

Overall, I want to see Rrod do well - but he definitely kept his QB in to finish out the drive after he ahd clearly suffered a concussion. After the score, he took him out for the rest of the game. Don't like it.